The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word MEETINGS
M
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Encounters" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case encounters = meetings.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MEETINGS mean?
MEETINGS noun- (gerund) The act of persons or things that meet.
- A gathering of persons for a purpose; an assembly.
- (collective) The people at such a gathering.
- An encounter between people, even accidental.
- A place or instance of junction or intersection; a confluence.
- A religious service held by a charismatic preacher in small towns in the United States.
- An administrative unit in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).